4.9
4.6
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 12m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, while a train costs an average of £62.
Distance: 239 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£62 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest | £48 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare the available ways to get from Cardiff to Bolton, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Bolton:
A coach is £32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Bolton costing on average £62.
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 45m.
You'll arrive about 1h 4m sooner (3h 42m by train vs 4h 46m by car). Tickets start at around £62 compared to roughly £48 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
How to get to Bolton from Cardiff by train, bus, flight or ferry.
The best way to travel from Cardiff to Bolton is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
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Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
The most popular day trips by train from Bolton are Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Chester and Preston. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Bolton on Omio.
Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.
Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.
Leeds is a major West Yorkshire city known for Victorian arcades, shopping and a lively music scene. Its industrial heritage, regenerated waterfront and large student population give it an energetic but down-to-earth character.
Chester is known for its Roman walls, medieval streets and the distinctive black-and-white Rows. Compact and walkable, it blends deep history with a relaxed riverside setting and a lively city centre.
Preston is a Lancashire city known for its industrial heritage, lively student population and the Harris Museum. Its centre blends Victorian character with modern shops and cafés, while riverside parks soften the urban feel.
Travel to Bolton easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cardiff to Bolton.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Bolton:
A coach is £32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Bolton costing on average £62.
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 45m.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Cardiff and Bolton as scheduled services by train and coach can vary by season or day of the week.
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